Test opener David Warner has informed Australian selectors that he is willing to come out of retirement and participate in the upcoming home series against India. The 37-year-old batsman emphasized that he is 'dead serious' about his offer to return for the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy series, which kicks off in Perth on November 22.
Steve Smith is keen to return to the number four batting position, leaving selectors in need of an opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Warner, who retired after the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney in January, has communicated his availability to Australia's coach, Andrew McDonald. However, McDonald seems to be less enthusiastic about the idea.
'I'm always available, just got to pick up the phone,' Warner told News Corp on Tuesday, highlighting that he would be a more seasoned option compared to those who have just started a new season of the domestic Sheffield Shield competition. 'I'm always dead serious. Let's be honest, the guys have played one red-ball game since their last Test matches in February, so I've almost had the same preparation.' He added, 'Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I'm more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play.'
Warner mentioned that McDonald's response did not indicate an imminent recall. 'His answer back to me was, 'you retired',' Warner said. 'I don't think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying: Can you come back?'
Warner, who accumulated 8,786 runs in 112 Tests, has been involved in limited-overs franchise competitions in Canada and the Cayman Islands. Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matthew Renshaw are among the candidates being considered to partner Khawaja against India.
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